Twinkling lights, towering trees, and even life-size gingerbread houses! Booking a stay at one of these iconic Pennsylvania hotels is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
1. The Hotel Hershey
Hershey
The Hotel Hershey’s décor is always stunning, but especially during the holiday season. Beautifully decorated trees and white poinsettias guide you to check-in, ensuring you’re in full holiday spirit even before you step into the beautifully decorated Fountain Lobby, perfect for your family’s perfect holiday photo with its gorgeous Christmas tree and dozens of red poinsettias. Weekends in December, the Cocoa Clubhouse and Santa’s Workshop are buzzing with fun-filled family activities including designing your own Santa hat, stocking, or ornament and winter games. As a special treat, indulge yourself and maybe that special someone to a little pampering at The Spa.
2. Nemacolin
Farmington
A holiday stay at Nemacolin is nothing short of spectacular with glittering decorations and special treats offered just during the holiday season. Your family will delight in the wonderland known as Hardy's Holiday Village “where the magic of the holiday season meets the magic of Nemacolin” at a life-size village filled with whimsy, wonder, and happy helpful elves! No worries if you still have a little holiday shopping left to do. The village’s quaint shops offer a selection of beautiful gifts and festive treats sure to delight. The magic continues on select evenings when one of Santa’s elves will journey from the North Pole with a book, a stocking, and a heaping dose of Christmas cheer that will leave your kiddos with visions of sugar plums dancing in their dreams during a Bedtime Elf Visit!
3. Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Bethlehem
What better place to experience the magic, charm, and wonder of the holiday season than with a stay in the middle of downtown Christmas City at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem — once again capturing the top spot as the Best Historic Hotel in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Decked to the nines with more than 35,000 twinkling lights, 7-foot toy soldiers, life-size Nutcrackers, a model of the hotel created completely out of gingerbread, and uniquely decorated Christmas trees and wreaths galore, the hotel is brimming with holiday joy. While there, you just might find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list at The Shoppe.
4. Skytop Lodge
Skytop
With beautifully decorated trees and glittering garland lining the halls, fun-filled scavenger hunts, and special holiday events each day of the season, a stay at Skytop Lodge is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Their special tree lighting ceremony happens every Saturday and is brimming with holiday cheer and family-friendly fun, including an afternoon tea with delicious holiday cookies, carolers, and a special visit with Santa! Share the joy and bring a new unwrapped toy or two for the local Toys For Tots program.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
Scotrun
As the temperature drops, escape to the warmth of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge. Snowland’s winter wonderland is filled with seasonal festivities, games, crafts, and special events, including visits with Santa. Reserve one of their Snow Globes to provide your family its own magical winter wonderland experience. It comes with your very own hot cocoa bar with all the fixings, a cookie decorating kit, festive holiday games, and a just-for-you, glittering 30-minute holiday light show featuring dancing lights choreographed to music of the season.
6. Ritz-Carlton
Philadelphia
Seeking a truly elegant holiday experience with some modern merriment? Look no further than the Ritz-Carlton. This year, the hotel literally glows in “Sparkling Pink” with pink tinsel, glittering garlands, and an array of dazzling ornaments as well as a variety of “all-pink” experiences during the holiday season. There will be over-the-top pink cocktails and a “We Drink Pink” Happy Hour on Wednesdays throughout December. When not imbibing or enjoying all the holiday pink, experience an exquisite, Latin inspired meal from acclaimed chef, Richard Sandoval, at the restaurant Aqimero located in the hotel’s lobby.
7. The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford
The Lodge at Glendorn has been transformed into a holiday wonderland brimming with beautifully decorated wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, and, of course, dozens of Christmas trees! Cozy up by their warm and inviting fireplace for wonderful cocktail creations, such as an over-the-top with deliciousness candy cane martini, and enjoy hot cocoa, peppermint sticks, and bonfires galore during your stay. There are even special holiday activities on select dates including the opportunity to decorate your own tabletop boxwood centerpiece. A holiday stay at Glendorn is sure to be a truly unforgettable and luxurious holiday experience!
8. Omni William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh
The lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel sparkles with classic elegance from the three stunning Maria Theresa Chandeliers illuminating the beautiful holiday decorations and old-world charm of this historic hotel. Enjoy Pittsburgh’s bounty of holiday events with a stay at this beautiful and ideally located hotel in the heart of the downtown.
9. Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Bedford
Take a step back in time (but with all the modern conveniences and luxuries) at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, which started welcoming guests more than 200 years ago. Watch a holiday movie with your loved ones each evening, Thursdays through Sundays. Enjoy a “Duchess Tea Experience” with a classic English High Tea on Saturday afternoons or kick off your day with a delicious bloody mary or mimosa in the lobby bar!
10. Gateway Lodge
Cooksburg
Escape for a little while from all the holiday hustle and bustle with a Winter In The Woods Weekend at the Gateway Lodge. Sip wine by a crackling fire or totally relax in a fireside jacuzzi after adventuring through the towering pines of Cook Forest. On Saturday evening, enjoy a three-course “Winter in the Woods” holiday dinner featuring award-winning wine pairings and holiday music performed live. The weekend will leave you feeling totally refreshed and ready to dive back into your holiday to-do lists!
To learn about more holiday adventures in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.